title: Effect of plyometric training on lower limb biomechanics in females.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify the effects of plyometric training on lower limb kinematics, eccentric hip and knee torques, and functional performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six females were divided into a training group (TG; n = 18) that carried out the plyometric training for 8 weeks, and a control group (CG; n = 18) that carried out no physical training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four plyometric training sessions during approximately 8 weeks with 3 sessions per week on alternate days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lower limb kinematics (maximum excursion of hip adduction, hip medial rotation, and knee abduction during the single leg squat), eccentric hip (abductor, adductor, medial, and lateral rotator) isokinetic peak torques and knee (flexor and extensor) isokinetic peak torques, and functional performance (triple hop test and the 6-m timed hop test).
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 8 weeks, only the TG significantly reduced the values for the maximum excursion of knee abduction (P = 0.01) and hip adduction (P < 0.001). Similarly, only the TG significantly increased the eccentric hip abductor (P < 0.001) and adductor (P = 0.01) torques. Finally, only the TG significantly increased the values in the triple hop test (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased the values in the 6-m timed hop test (P < 0.001) after intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plyometric training alters lower limb kinematics and increases eccentric hip torque and functional performance, suggesting the incorporation of these exercises in preventive programs for ACL injuries.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Physical Therapy, São Carlos Federal University, São Carlos, Brazil; and †School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo de Marche
authors.initials: Rde M
authors.lastname: Baldon
authors.forename: Daniel F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Moreira Lobato
authors.forename: Andre P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Yoshimatsu
authors.forename: Ana Flávia
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: Paulo R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Pereira Santiago
authors.forename: Fábio V
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Serrão
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult